OLA — The Two Rivers School Board unanimously approved the payment of tuition for two newly-hired ABC or preschool staff members to take courses necessary to obtain Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials at its meeting Monday night.

ABC director Rhonda Robinson said her department had the funds to pay for the tuition, which will be approximately $750 per employee, for courses at University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM), but was advised by the district’s business manager, Sharon Chuculate, to gain board approval before paying for the tuition.

Robinson said if the employees did not work for three years with the Two Rivers ABC, they would be required to pay back the tuition on a pro-rated basis.

Two individuals addressed the board Monday.

High school advanced placement English teacher Helen Ritchie informed the board of a situation regarding a student who complained to high school principal Barry Fisher about not being exempt from the course’s semester test.

Ritchie said for six years she has explained to students during the first week of classes they would not be granted exemption from semester tests, given the difficult nature of the material. Ritchie said Fisher reversed her decision because the student handbook did not address AP courses specifically.

Board members Robert Adams and Robert Anderson voiced their opposition to test exemptions in any courses.

Interim superintendent Vernon “Cotton” Morrison advised Ritchie to bring the matter to the policy committee so a revised policy on AP exemptions could be examined, and if recommended by the committee, considered by the board.

Kathy Dunn, executive director of the Yell County Special Service Center (YCSSC), requested the board consider donate a parcel of property bordering the YCSSC’s facility to be used to house a equine therapy service. Dunn said for YCSSC to continue in the process of obtaining grants for the service, she would need proof the board approved the land donation.

Dunn said she estimated the property in question to be about an acre. Adams said he thought the property was slightly more than an acre.

Board president Jackie Harrison advised Dunn to have the property surveyed so the board will know exactly how much acreage is to be donated. Harrison said the board would consider the matter at its next meeting, if she provides survey information.

In other business, the board:

• approved the liquidation of remaining ARRA Stimulus Plan funds.

• approved the district’s facility master plan, for submission to the state department of education by Feb. 1.

For coverage of a public meeting concerning the Feb. 14 Two Rivers millage election, see Wednesday’s edition of The Courier.